Sleep 2

We have read that sleep can refer to “slumber.” Let’s read another way that sleep is used in the scriptures.

Acts 7:59 – 60 While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” Then he fell on his
knees and cried out, “Lord do not hold this sin against them.” When he said this, he fell asleep(died).

Acts 8:1 And Saul was there, giving approval to his death.

Acts 13:36 For when David had served God’s purpose in his own generation, he fell asleep (died), he was buried
with his ancestors and his body decayed.

John 11:11 After he said this, he went on to tell them, “Our friend Lazarus has fallen asleep (died), but I am
going there to wake him.

John 11:12 – 13 His disciples replied, “Lord, if he sleeps, he will get better.” Jesus had been speaking ofhis death, but his disciples thought he meant natural sleep.

These scriptures tell us that sleep can refer to “physical death.” Sleep was a first century figure of speech forphysical death. Sleep is often a euphemism for death.

Next week, is sleep ever meant to describe the soul being in a state of unconsciousness after death?